WI_Angler1989

I won't be going for more than at the point, but my 2.5 inch tubes are a huge confidence bait so that's perfect. Thanks for the heads up, as natural as possible and play with options.

They sound great. I really like the pro angler living living right at the big water and he uses them on too. It's a huge vote of confidence for me. I may have to pick up a few packs in the 3.5 since that's about the size I use here. Smaller works best but it's all about the day. I've had great success with 2.5 inch tubes here. They're a bit fatter than normal so the profile still has some girth, but I've been wanting a 3.5 inch tube for when the water is warm.

Do you have any experience with Cabin Creek tubes? They work flawlessly here. How do the PROvidersame compare?I've also heard good things boutique river rock tubes

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm looking pretty set color wise it seems, maybe a little stock up to be safe.

Thanks for all the help, guys! I ended up getting super lucky and was able to exchange my LTB610MXF for the LTB610mlxf for literally 20$!

Alright guys, any of you experiences Smallmouth guys have any advice on tube colors? I'm stocking up for an early spring trip to Sturgeon Bay and need some input so all the bases are covered. What color tubes work best there? Whatcolors are good to have with at least? I know exactly what works where I live but it'd suck to get there, on a big fishing trip and be unprepared!

Yeah, I agree, St Croix makes excellent rods. My experience is limited to Avids and LTB's but that's please type for me to love them. Copl, thats a great area to work in, big too. I'm actually in Eau Claire. Door County is amazing. I was up the 2 years ago for smallmouth and plan to this coming spring too. The first trip was guided and we're going to attempt to do it on our own next time. Cheaper, more nerve racking.

Thanks for the great reply, WIGuide. You, and others, have pretty well sold me on it now! That's a gorgeous fish you had there. Where in WI do you guide?

That's one heck of a fish! And a "big fish" trophy to boot? If that's not a vote of confidence idk what is. Funny thing too, I saw these pics of yours in another thread today haha.

That's EXACTLY what I would use it for if I got it. Thanks a ton! Now really wanna get that or exchange my model for the dropshot. I don't know of that's even possible.

That settles it then! Now if I only had a place around here to get my hands on the exact model...

My first Smallie came on a brown and silver Mepps Aglia while I was walking the shore of a local river. I was looking for new spots and needless to say, I found some.

Im glad to hear how well it casts light lures. I know it's a dumb question, it's a St Croix after all, but does it still have the backbone and power to pull in a big river Smallie (4#) from the current?

Bluebasser86, I love my 610mxf too! I've come to terms with my being a tackle junkie regardless haha. My rod performed awesomely all season and I loved how strong and sensitive it is, I just can't help wishing it was a tad lighter tipped to really load lighter lures better... maybe I'm over reacting but it didn't cast nearly as far as my 66mf avid. Tomustang, what techniques do you use yours for??

Thanks for the welcome! I read the forums for years here but this is my first question. I've also had great success with St Croix rods. I actually have the LTB 610mxf model and liked it a lot. The issue is I had some casting issues with lighter lures. Which doesn't help me since I fish a LOT of 1/8 tubes and worms. I thought maybe the dropshot rod would have some more snap in it while maintaining the same backbone and sensativity. I know what you mean about the difference in sensativity! I have 2 Avids that i love too but the difference is night and day. You can feel every single pebble with the LTB rods.

Alright folks, I need some experienced opinions here. I'm looking at getting a new rod, it's in the title, has anyone used this rod? I'm wondering how well it handles a variety of applicaions. I plan to fish it with a lot of finesse baits: tubes, weightless senkos, worms, craws, etc for smallmouth. I have experience with their LTB shakey head rod but it just doesn't quite feel right. Maybe just not quite enough whip to the x-fast tip. Could the dropshot rod handle a big river Smallie in current?